The main waste product of fuel we burn is carbon dioxide, which is thought to have been the main factor in the gradual rise of global temperatures

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Introduction

To Burn or Not to Burn Carbon dioxide: The main waste product of fuel we burn is carbon dioxide, which is thought to have been the main factor in the gradual rise of global temperatures of the last hundred years. The rise is called 'Global Warming'. The mechanism used to explain the rise in temperature is the greenhouse effect. Infrared radiation is trapped by atmospheric gases. Sunlight easily passes these gases on it way into the earth's atmosphere but on its way out the gases reflect the radiation back towards earth. Therefore as these gases increases the amount of radiation kept in the atmosphere is increased. Caron dioxide is one of the main green houses gases. Carbon dioxide is a waste product from the combustion of many fuels. These fuels are used in cars, electric power generators, coal power stations and many other industrial practices. When gasoline and other hydrocarbons are burned the carbon in it combines with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide. The solutions that are being proposed at the moment include a research group at LSU suggests carbon dioxide fixation by micro algae. ...read more.

Middle

Carbon monoxide reacts irreversibly with haemoglobin. In red blood cells haemoglobin normally reacts with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin, which is then transported from our lungs to all our body cells. When carbon monoxide is breathed in it combines with haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin where the oxygen is not released from the haemoglobin therefore causing a lack of oxygen which can result in death. The solutions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning are to give the odorless gas a distinct smell so that people can smell when there are gas leaks in their appliances. Another solution is to install carbon monoxide detectors which act in the same way as fire alarms and give off a signal when they detect carbon monoxide. There are other precautions which can be taken such as maintaining your appliance so that it is in good working order and do not run your car in an enclosed space. Nitrogen Dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide is a product in kerosene heaters, un-vented gas stoves and heaters. NO2 acts mainly as an irritant affecting the mucosa of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. ...read more.

Conclusion

Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of SO2 include breathing problems, respiratory illness, changes in the lung's defences, and worsening respiratory and cardiovascular disease. People with asthma or chronic lung or heart disease are the most sensitive to SO2. It also damages trees and crops. SO2, along with nitrogen oxides, are the main precursors of acid rain. This contributes to the acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of buildings and reduced visibility. SO2 also causes formation of microscopic acid aerosols, which have serious health implications as well as contributing to climate change. There are many possible solutions to the acid rain problem. One is to use fuels that burn more cleanly. Another solution is to burn coal more efficiently. Power plant and factory chimneys can be fitted with scrubbers that release 90-95% sulfur free smoke and also produces sludge from which gypsum, a building material, can be produced. This problem can also be solved by enforcing tight emission standards on vehicles that burn gas and diesel. One other solution is fitting devices such as a catalytic converter into car exhaust pipes to minimize the amount of sulfur dioxide in car exhaust. Blue O'Connor ...read more.

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